Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

by
Hewitt, Paul G.

Published by
Addison-Wesley

ISBN 10:
0321909100

ISBN 13:
978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 22 - Think and Discuss: 106

Answer

See below.

Work Step by Step

The tree acts like a lightning rod, and is more likely to be hit than shorter objects. If this happens, the tree and the nearby soil are raised to a high electric potential relative to the soil that is farther away.
If you are touching the soil at two places (say, standing with your legs far apart, or lying down, oriented in a radial direction), there might be an electric potential difference between two parts of your body. This would cause a dangerous current to flow through your body.